FanPost

Lakers Storyline: From Decline to Recent Rise

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What a way to put up my first blog as a decade-long Laker fan. I've been so quiet and withdrawn during that forgettable slump that I can't find any words to describe it. I mean, after winning the championship half a year ago, our dynamic duo putting off International play to rest their weary legs, an underachieving third star finally gets a much needed boost after winning in the recent Worlds and perhaps getting a new reality show, and solidifying an awful bench with two starter-worthy players and a battle tested veteran not to mention two late second round steals, the Lakers are poised to dominate the West once more and cruise to the finals. The Lakers looked real good on paper that there were discussions this summer and in the first eight games of the season that the Lakers might as well have a shot at the Bull's divine 72-10 record.

And then, things didn't go according to plan. The Lakeshow lost back-to-back games here and there, a three game losing streak which included a much anticipitated match up with the Miami Heat and the league-leading San Antonio Spurs. Of course, as the headline of this season, the Lakers didn't put up a fight and was lifeless from the get go. They were mismatched from these two juggernauts and even with subpar teams like the Grizzlies, Jazz, Bucks, etc. Hell, I almost forgot to mention that dreadful four-game losing streak and the first time since the Pau Gasol era. I guess its not always a red carpet in Hollywood. And if it is a matter of complacency or simply an inevitable decline which could be said to all the great dynasties, I guess only time will tell.

Complacency, which was raised by both Kobe and Lamar, is a normal phenomenon that happens with the best of them. They've won back-to-back championships and kept their core together for a long time. There was no reason for the Lakers to go out there and prove themselves night in and night out for there are the team to beat. Sure those reasons could be cited. But what concerns me is that, even though I've seen the same with '03-'04 Lakers (which featured the Fantastic Four), that team led by Shaq was able to flip the switch after the All Star break and won crucial games. And that can't be said with the Lakers' recent struggles. They can't win against team above .500 and doesn't always capitalize against lowly teams. They can't seem to pull the trigger anymore when fans expected them to do so.

An inevitable decline? Though most fans fear this the most, it could also be a possibility. Let's start with the backcourt.

Fish have shown some serious signs of aging. He can't keep up with the most mundane point guards in the league and even made Mike Conley look like a Hall of Famer. Little Rock can't seem to find the rim as of late, adding to the fact that he's not at all a passing PG. If that's so, what else can he give you? Leadership? Toughness? That's not gonna get the job done. Others cite his clutch factor and veteran savvy as the reason why Phil give him loads of minutes. He has done a lot of late game heroics in the Finals. That is, if they can still get to that level again.

As for Kobe, that decision to put off International play and kind of chilled during the summer could be beneficial for the team. Years of working his ass off has taken its toll on his body as evidenced by a pile of injuries he has played through. He has to slow down. The only problem with Kobe is that, well, he is Kobe Bryant. You can't expect him to take the back seat as Pau and Drew take over. They were talks early in the season that Pau may have dethroned Kobe as the King of LaLa Land due to his stellar play and as Kobe played a facilitator and decoy during that time. And after that terrific start? Kobe went to his old self. Shooting the Lakers out for most of the games and winning gravely depends on whether Kobe makes his shot or not. And don't forget that Kobe has been on a slump as well. As a result? A pile of losses that kept them off rhythm.

The Lakers' front line is the only bright spot for the team. With Drew returning from injury, the Lakers now have a legit 7-footer and a natural center to provide them a much needed low post presence and toughness to keep rival big men at bay. Although Pau has been passive as of late, it should not be a concern since he continues to provide solid numbers. He just need to be more aggressive and ask for the ball more. As for Ron-Ron, The man's play is just as unstable as his psyche. He doesn't have to do much on offense aside from hitting wide open shots and uncontested layups and do his thing on defense as what has Bruce Bowen has done with the Spurs.

The return of Bynum stabilized the Laker bench since it pushed L.O. back as a sixth man. He has been the most consistent Laker since he was still able to put up solid numbers while moving back to the bench. His experience with Team USA has benefited to his confidence not to mention a share on the Hollywood limelight. And for the rest of the so-called "Renegades", only Matt Barnes has impressed in that brief stretch thanks to that injury that would sideline him for months. Known as a hard-nosed defender and scrapper, we all know what he could give for L.A. Shannon has had his moment this season and shown that improved long range shot. He has learned that he can't make a career out of those flashy dunks alone. But for as much as the entire roster, he's very inconsistent as well. As for Steve, he is not keeping up with the expectation. He was once heralded as the heir of Fish. But his current play doesn't speak for it. He is too passive and hesitant to shoot and his recent struggle might have affected his confidence. And for the rest of the bench? Theo Ratliff? Joe Smith? Yeah. If only we could turn back time.

But the Lakers' recent play has brought life to the franchise's dedicated fans. They have shown signs of return to form. Their offensive efficiency speaks for the recent improvement which I believe was highlighted by that historic beating of the Cavs. Here is to hoping that the Lakers has finally got their groove back and regain their championship form before its too late. Because for now, the Celtics and Spurs clearly are the team to beat.